July

In July we celebrate our freedom as Americans and as Christians. Here are some ideas for making this month special while remembering the cost of freedom.

Fun Food

- Make an American flag in a 9 X 13 pan. Make a yellow cake and top it with vanilla icing. Use blueberries for the stars. Put stripes of sliced strawberries for the stripes. - Buy a mini star-shaped silicone mold. Here is an example, but they are available in many different places.http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Mini-Star-Silicone-Mold/dp/B000NNK7Z2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372208988&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+star+moldPour a little bit of your favorite red juice in each mold. Cover the top with plastic wrap. Put it in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, poke a toothpick through the plastic into the center of each star. The next time you are outside on a hot day, tear off the plastic, pop out the star, and have a mini star popsicle! *Target currently has mini banana-shaped or orange-shaped ice cube trays in their dollar section. Those would also be fun for the summer, even though they are not patriotic.

Incentive Chart

Use this incentive chart to track progress towards a goal. You can use it for anything you like. 1. Decide on a goal. What do you want your child to work on? Reading books? Sharing with others? Potty training? Memorizing Scriptures? Pick one specific thing you want to see improved. 2. Decide how you want to fill in the squares on the chart. You can laminate the chart or put it in a protective sleeve if you want to be able to wipe it off and use it again. You can use stamps, stickers, check marks, or any other "marker" you want to use.3. Determine a reward. What motivates your child? Candy? Time on an electronic device? Time for crafts? Whatever your child loves to do the most will be a great incentive. Pick a reward that is affordable and won't be unhealthy (like a couple candies instead of a whole pack). 4. Determine how frequently the reward will be given. Is the reward given when one row is finished? Or when the whole page is complete? Print out the chart. Use brightly colored paper if desired. 5. Explain the new plan to your child. For example, "Mark, look at this fun page. You know I have been talking with you about reading more books. This month, whenever you read a new book by yourself, you can put a sticker in the square. When each row is full, we can go to the library and get new books. When the entire page is full, we can go to Half Price Books (discount book store) and pick out a new book for your personal library." This is just an example and would only be motivating to a child who likes to read but isn't really into it during the summer, or some similar situation. 6. Let your child color and decorate the incentive chart. 7. Post it in a convenient location with the markers/stickers/stamps nearby. 8. Be consistent and have fun!

When You Walk By The Way...

Deuteronomy 6 tells us teach our children to fear the Lord, to keep His commands, and to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. Every day we should look for opportunities to point our children to God. This month, we can celebrate the freedom we have in Christ. Christ paid the price, freeing us from our sins! We are no longer slaves to sin, but are free to live in Christ! Praise God! As you drive around and see American flags, when you watch fireworks, when you make red, white, and blue crafts, and when you see and do other fun patriotic things this month, use the opportunity to talk with your family. Verbally remind your child that we are thankful for our freedom as Americans, but freedom in Christ is the most important freedom we can ever have. Our freedom came at a high price - the torture and death of Jesus - but God loves us so much He sent Jesus despite the cost. A great verse to focus on is Romans 8:2 (NASB) - For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Another verse is Romans 6:14 (NASB) - For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. If you have a more mature child, most of Romans 6 is great to study for an in depth look at being free from the bondage of sin.